Manila Flights
Flying from all major UK airports on all major airlines, we have loads of discounted flights to Manila, so simply use our search box below to book the cheapest available Manila flight.
Search flights
- Flights to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Apt from Birmingham International Airport
- Flights to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Apt from Cardiff
- Flights to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Apt from Edinburgh
- Flights to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Apt from Glasgow International Airport
- Flights to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Apt from London Gatwick Apt
- Flights to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Apt from London Heathrow Apt
- Flights to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Apt from Manchester International Apt
Originally Manila was a conglomeration of 17 towns and villages, which were brought together under the regime of President Marcos in 1976. Metro Manila is the actual urban core, based around the colonial capital of Intramuros and the other districts of Ermita, Malate, Quipao, San Nicolas, Paco and Binondo. The 38 sq km (15 sq miles) of urban sprawl extends to outlying towns and villages such as Quezon City, Pasay City, Pasig City and Makati City, the centre for business and much of the nightlife.
Historically, Manila Bays topography and strategic location, between the Old Worlds silk and spices on the one side and the New Worlds silver on the other, favoured commerce and made the bay a natural magnet for maritime traders. The Chinese were the first foreigners to arrive and trade in the islands in 98AD but by the late 15th century, the restless Europeans had sent Ferdinand Magellan westward to the Philippines. He landed in 1521 and claimed the islands for Spain, which took over Manila (called Maynilad by early Muslim settlers) in 1571.
Despite a revolution and proclamation of independence, the Philippines fell to the United States of America, following the 1898 collapse of the Spanish Empire. In 1935, the USA approved the Commonwealth of the Philippines, only for it to be crushed by the Japanese invasion in 1941. After a bitter rearguard action around Manila, the American and Philippine forces finally surrendered in 1942 but managed to recapture Manila two years later, in a series of ferocious land and naval battles that left it ruined and depopulated.
The Filipinos gained independence in 1946. However, following the 1965 election of Ferdinand Marcos, anti-government riots gave him the pretext to declare martial law in 1972, inaugurating perhaps the most kitsch tyranny on record, ably assisted by his wife (and governor of Metro Manila), Imelda Marcos. The brutal absurdities of their regime continued until 1986, when People Power and the defection of key supporters drove them into well-heeled exile. Subsequent democratic administrations have improved the image and politics of the Philippines, however, not its economy.
Manila today is a sprawling chaotic agglomeration that exercises a disproportionate influence on the entire country and is a lesson in contrasts. The dichotomies of wealth and poverty are evident, with the palatial neighbourhoods around Makati contrasting with squatter camps along the river, where the destitute scavenge to survive. So much of Manila still remains mired in the Third World and democracy has brought little change as yet to the poor. The citys chaos also reflects the Philippines cultural diversity there are more than a hundred cultural minority groups living in the country.
Manila is an overpowering city and can certainly prove to be hectic if you are not prepared for it. A combination of the bustle of the traffic, noise, pollution, poverty and often-shabby infrastructure makes the city seem intimidating. However, Manilas energy and the good humour of its people become infectious.
Airport Guide
(Manila) Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Airport Information
Country
Philippines
Address
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pascay City 1300, Manila, The Philippines
Country Code
63
Telephone
(02) 877 1109
Fax
(0)2 833 1180
info@miaa.gov.ph
Website
www.miaa.gov.ph
Location
The airport is located 7km (4 miles) south of Manila
Time Zone
GMT + 8
Number of Terminals
3
Transfer between Terminals
A jeepney runs between the terminals for a small fare, although transferring at peak times can be difficult.
Driving Directions
From Metro Manila, take the South Superhighway to the airport, which is signposted.
Car Parking
Parking is available in front of the International Passenger Terminal 1 (parking A, B and C) and in front of Centennial Terminal 2. Long-term parking is available at the corner of Domestic and MIA Roads; a free shuttle runs to the terminals.
Car Hire
Avis, Hertz and National operate at the airport, with desks in the Arrivals area.
Public Transport
Air: Charter flights can be booked at the airport to other islands in the Philippines. Road: Taxi: The journey time into Manila varies enormously depending on the time of day. At peak times, it can take up to two hours; at best, it will take 30 minutes. It is recommended to only take a taxi with a Department of Tourism (DOT) accreditation. Flagging a taxi on the road outside the airport is notoriously expensive and often dangerous. To avoid being hassled, book a taxi at one of the taxi desks before leaving the airport. Complimentary hotel cars can be arranged at the airport’s hotel reservations desks. Limousine: Limousine companies have desks in the Arrivals area, with rates pre-approved by the Airport Authority. Bus: An airport bus runs to Metro Manila; a cheap and frequent Metrobus also operates to Metro Manila. Jeepney: Privately owned jeepneys run to/from Baclaran where there is a metrorail terminal along Quirino Avenue to complete the journey to the city.
Information and Help Desks
Airport information desks are open for all flights. Tourist information counters are available in Arrivals and Departures.
Airport Facilities
Money and communications: Airport facilities include banks, post offices (outside Terminal 1 Arrivals and in the Terminal 2 Arrivals south wing) and telephones. All banks at the airport provide a bureau de change service during flight operations. An ATM centre is located in the Arrivals area. Eating and drinking: There are several restaurants, coffee shops, snack bars and bars in Terminal 1. Shopping: Duty-free shopping is available. There is a duty-free shop located several kilometres from Terminal 1, served by a shuttle bus. Luggage: There is no left-luggage facility at the airport. Trolleys are available free of charge and a free porter service is available on request. There is a lost property office in the Departures area of Terminal 1. Other facilities: Baby-changing facilities, a children’s playroom, salon, sauna and massage service, 24-hour medical centres, chapels, and a pharmacy are all available.
Conference and Business Facilities
The airport provides an executive lounge with business facilities and showers. The nearby Philippine Village Airport Manila (tel: (0)2 833 8080) provides fully-equipped meeting and conference rooms for up to 1,000 delegates, with audiovisual equipment and catering available.
Disabled Facilities
The airport is wheelchair-accessible with ramps, lifts and disabled toilets, and wheelchairs are available on request from airline ground staff; passengers requiring this service or any special assistance should inform their airline prior to travel. There is a contact number for assistance (tel: (0)2 877 1111).
Airport Hotels
The Philippine Village Airport Manila (tel: (0)2 833 8080) is the only airport hotel and is located 2km (1 mile) from the terminal; passengers in transit can hire a day room for resting. Nearby hotels include the Traders Hotel Manila, The Heritage Hotel Manila, Renaissance Makati, Oakwood Premier Ayala, InterContinental Manila, Hyatt Regency Manila and the Makati Shangri-La. There are hotel reservation desks at the airport in both terminals and major hotels provide a shuttle service.
City
Manila
Full Airport Name
(Manila) Ninoy Aquino International Airport
UK 
IE 
FR 
BE 
DE 
DK 
ES 
IT 
SE 
NL 
NO 
NZ 
AU 
US